Huntington Beach Wet Electric Promoter Denied Liquor License

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — It looks like it will be a “dry” Wet Electric music festival in Huntington Beach this weekend.

The state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control denied the promoter’s request for a liquor license.

“The overarching concern is public safety,” said ABC spokesman John Carr. “The plan submitted to ABC did not sufficiently address public safety concerns.”

Earlier this week, city leaders tried to stop the nine-hour rave, which will take place at Huntington State Beach, over some officials’ concerns the event would spark violence similar to the U.S. Open of Surfing riots in late July. They sought a temporary restraining order based on zoning laws.

A judge, however, denied the city’s bid, saying the event’s location falls within state jurisdiction and the city could have acted sooner to stop the massive get-together.

Huntington Beach police will still add patrols around the festival, which is expected to have up to 10,000 party-goers.